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This project was funded by the National Park Service and the local governments of the City of Lenoir, Town of Gamewell, Caldwell County, and Burke County. This trail master plan describes the planning process, specific preferred trail alignment, and provides extensive renderings and schematics for establishing a 20-mile greenway connecting Lenoir, NC to Morganton, NC. Upon completion, this trail will be certified as part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
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overmountain victory national historic trail master plan
LENOIR MORGANTON
keep the story alive
SUMMER 2015
bD%'
"The landowner is The only person ThaT can
acTually give This gifT for The resT of eTerniTy."
Judy Perry, caldwell county Pathways
US National Park Service
Produced for
Produced by
wIth assIstance froM
Destination by Design Planning, LLC | 815 West King Street, Suite 2 | Boone, North Carolina 28607 | 828.386.1866 | www.DbDplanning.com
National Historic Trail Master PlanOvermountain Victory
L ENO I R > > MORGANTON
Town of Gamewell
Burke County
City of Morganton
Caldwell County Pathways, Inc.
City of Lenoir
Caldwell County
acknowledgmenTsnatIonal Park servIce
John Slaughter, Group Superintendent, Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks
Garrett Jackson, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
caldwell county Pathways, Inc.Brandon Thompson, Chair
John Dockery, Vice Chair
Ashley McKinney, Secretary
Judy Perry, Treasurer
Cyndi Akins, Board Member
Camilla Armfield, Board Member
Ron Beane, Board Member
Brad Caldwell, Board Member
Tony Deal, Board Member
Sam Erwin, Board Member
Bob Giduz, Board Member
Taylor Gupton, Board Member
Brandon Kanagy, Board Member
Mike Kent, Board Member
Mike McCall, Board Member
Shawn Moore, Board Member
Kelsey Pfaff, Board Member
Merlin Perry, Board Member
Susan Powers, Board Member
Jan Pritchard, Board Member
Rick Rash, Board Member
Deborah Ashley Smith, Board Member
Lori Starnes, Board Member
Jenny Wheelock, Board Member
Eddie Winkler, Board Member
Darlene Bemy, Board Member
Maria Swanson, Board Member
cIty of lenoIrJoseph L. Gibbons, Mayor
T.J. Rohr, Mayor Pro-Tem
Kim Edmisten, City Councilwoman
Todd Perdue, City Councilman
Ike Perkins, City Councilman
David Stevens, City Councilman
Crissy Thomas, City Councilwoman
Ben Willis, City Councilman
Danny Gilbert, Assistant City Manager & Finance Director
Jenny Wheelock, Planning Director
Charles Beck, Public Works & Engineering Director
Taylor Gupton, Planner & GIS Specialist
caldwell countyRandy Church, Chairman, Board of Commissioners
Jeff Branch, Vice Chair, Board of Commissioners
Clay Bollinger, Member, Board of Commissioners
Mike LaBrose, Member, Board of Commissioners
Donnie Potter, Member, Board of Commissioners
Stan Kiser, County Manager
Kim Carter, Planning Technician
town of GaMewellHunter M. Crump, Mayor
Johnny K. Lefever, Mayor Pro-Tem
Barbara C. Pennell, Council Member
Wilford Beane, Council Member
Dan Kincaid, Council Member
Mike Kent, Council Member
Mary L. Carter, Town Administrator
burke countyJohnny Carswell, Chairman, Board of Commissioners
Wayne Able, Vice Chair, Board of Commissioners
Maynard Taylor, Member, Board of Commissioners
Jack Carroll, Member, Board of Commissioners
Jeff Brittain, Member, Board of Commissioners
Scott Carpenter, Deputy County Manager/Planning Director
cIty of MorGantonMel L. Cohen, Mayor
John H. Cantrell, Jr., Mayor Pro-Tem
Forrest A. Fleming, Councilman
S. Sidney Simmons, Councilman
Ronnie M. Thompson, Councilman
Lee E. Anderson, AICP, Director of Development & Design Services
Michael Berley, PLA, Project Designer
landowner outreach vIdeo IntervIewees Senator Jim Broyhill
John Slaughter, National Park Service
Ben Griffin, Landowner
Merlin and Judy Perry, Trail Enthusiasts
c o n t e n t s
vii
Table of conTenTs
IntroductIon 1Background 2
Plan Goals 3
Planning Process 4
Plan Organization 5
chaPter 1: exIstInG condItIons, analysIs, and PrelIMInary alIGnMents 7Study Area Description 8
The Natural Environment 10
The Built Environment 14
Map And Photo Series: Preliminary Trail Route Alternatives 19
chaPter 2: landowner enGaGeMent 29Identifying the Landowners 30
Landowner Communications 31
Landowner Workshop 32
Trail Route Re-Evaluation 34
chaPter 3: traIl character & desIGn GuIdelInes 35Trail Types 36
Trail Types Profile 38
Signage and Wayfinding 40
Social Media: The New Word of Mouth 41
chaPter 4: recoMMendatIons 43Planning Sections Overview 44
Trail Sections Recommendations 46
chaPter 5: IMPleMentatIon 81Implementation Details by Section and Responsibility 82
Priority Implementation Areas and Responsibilities 83
Trail Support Spectrum 84
aPPendIx 85(A1) Budget 86
(A2) Fact Sheet 87
(A3) Landowner Letter 87
(A4) Landowner Interest Survey 88
(A5) Funding Sources 88
(A6) Public-Private Partnership Memo 89
c o n t e n t s
ix
list of maps list of Exhibits
Map 1: OVNHT Commemorative Motor Route 2
Map 2: General Study Area 8
Map 3: Study Area 1 Site Analysis 20
Map 4: Study Area 2 Site Analysis 22
Map 5: Study Area 3 Site Analysis 24
Map 6: Study Area 4 Site Analysis 26
Map 7: Landowner Database 30
Map 8: Landowner Sentiment 34
Map 9: Planning Sections Overview 44
Map 10: Planning Section 1 47
Map 11: Planning Section 2 51
Map 12: Planning Section 3 55
Map 13: Planning Section 4 61
Map 14: Planning Section 5 65
Map 15: Planning Section 6 69
Map 16: Planning Section 7 73
Map 17: Planning Section 8 75
Map 18: Planning Section 9 77
Exhibit 1: Johns River Game Lands 13
Exhibit 2: Trail Type Profile 38
Exhibit 3: Social Media: The New Word of Mouth 42
Exhibit 4: Creekway Drive Crossing 48
Exhibit 5: Main Street Crossing and Trailhead 49
Exhibit 6: Get Down @ the Depot 52
Exhibit 7: Brewing Up Investment 53
Exhibit 8: Highway 18 Crossing 56
Exhibit 9: #trail2victory Bridge 57
Exhibit 10: Southwest Blvd. Underpass 58
Exhibit 11: Restore the Stream, Realize the Dream 59
Exhibit 12: Highway 18 Side Path 63
Exhibit 13: Workplace Wellness Campus 67
Exhibit 14: Calico Road Underpass 71
Exhibit 15: Highway 18/64 Underpass 78
Exhibit 16: Grace Ridge Trailhead 79
Exhibit 17: Implementation Details by Section and Responsibilities 82
Exhibit 18: Trail Rubicon: Finding the Point of No Return 83
Exhibit 19: Priority Implementation Areas and Responsibilities 83
introduction
this trail master plan SErVES AS A roAd MAP For EStABLiSHinG A section of the overmountain victory
national historic trail (ovnht) in nortH cAroLinA from the city of lenoir to the city of morganton.
the overmountain victory national historic trail is 330 miles in length and includes portions of virginia, tennessee, north carolina and south carolina. the trail commemorates
the significance of the patriot militia that marched over the appalachian mountains to defeat the BritiSH-LEd loyalist
army at the battle of kings mountain on october 8, 1780.
2i n t r o d u c t i o n
In 2014, CC Pathways, in collaboration with the City of Lenoir, Town of Gamewell, and Caldwell County, successfully se-cured partnership funds from the Nation-al Park Service (NPS) to develop a com-prehensive trail master plan for the Lower Creek corridor from Lenoir to Morganton. The NPS willingly provided funding for this trail initiative because it was along
this corridor that the Overmountain Men marched from the mountains and foothills of Appalachia in 1780 on their way to the Battle of Kings Mountain where they defeated a British-led army to turn the tide of the Revolutionary War. It is expected that trail developed along this corridor with permanent protection measures in place (easements, fee simple, right of way, etc.) will be certified by the NPS as part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
The mission of Caldwell County Path-ways, Inc. (CC Pathways) is to develop, coordinate and promote non-motor-ized, multi-use pathways for the en-hancement of the quality of life in Cald-well County. For more than a decade this nonprofit organization, in conjunc-tion with the City of Lenoir, has suc-cessfully realized a more than five-mile greenway trail network throughout the
City. In addition, CC Pathways has helped spearhead the development of other trails throughout the county such as the Johns River Greenway and the Happy Valley Gre-enway. It has been a longstanding vision of this organiza-tion to develop a trail along the Lower Creek corridor that would ultimately connect the City of Lenoir greenway, Town of Gamewell, and City of Morganton Greenway.
C a l d w e l l C o u n t y P at h way s : o n a M i s s i o n
t h e u l t i M at e P a r t n e r s h i P
MAP 1: oVnHt coMMEMorAtiVE Motor routE BAckGround
the sister Pl an
this trai l p lan was developed in conjunct ion with another overmountain Victory nat ional histor ic trai l Master P lan that explores the Catawba river corr idor from lake James to Morganton. a lthough two separate p lans were developed, the p lanning process was combined for both p lanning efforts .
this Pl an's study area
this trai l sect ion spans from lenoir to Morganton.
LEnoir
MorGAnton
LAkEjAMES
i n t r o d u c t i o n
3
sPeCiFiC trail routes. Identify a specific and feasible trail route within a 1/2 mile of the known historic Overmountain Victory Nation-al Historic Trail as determined by NPS;
landowner outreach. Make a direct appeal to landowners identified during the analysis and record their sentiments for providing a trail easement;
Visual Plan. Create a visual plan that provides renderings and schematics to demonstrate trail character;
support other Community Goals. Identify op-portunities to leverage trail development to further support other community goals, in-cluding economic development, historic pres-ervation, public health, and environmental stewardship; and
social Media. Incorporate modern social me-dia marketing tools within the trail and signage infrastructure to promote the development of user generated marketing content.
1
35
2
4
PLAn GoALS
A criticAL coMPonEnt oF tHiS PLAn wAS LAndownEr outrEAcH.
4i n t r o d u c t i o n
C R A F T S M A N S I G N A G E C O N C E P T
P L A C E Y O U R V O T E H E R E :
OVT TRAIL MAP National Historic Trail Master Plan
Overmountain Victory LENOIR MORGANTON LAKE
JAMES
0 10 205 Miles
M A P 1
M A P 1
M A P 2
M A P 2
M A P 3
M A P 3
M A P 4
M A P 4
M A P 5
M A P 5
M A P 6
M A P 6
M A P 7M A P 7
M A P 8M A P 8
M A P 9M A P 9
L e n o i rL e n o i r
M o r g a n t o nM o r g a n t o n
1/2-M
i le B
uffe
r
1/2-Mi
le Buf fe
r
BUR
KE C
OU
NTY
CA
LDW
ELL CO
UN
TY
OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORYNATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL
SEPT. 14 OCT. 14 - JAN. 15 FEB. - March 15 MARCH - MAY 15Kick OffFacilitating Planning Oversight Committee
DIRE
CTION SE
TTING Physical Inventory
Physiographic AnalysisNatural InventoryPoints of Interest & StructuresEnvironmental Infrastructure & UtilitiesVideo Development
Public Meeting & EngagementLandowner Outreach Workshops
Design AlternativesWayfinding & Structural ElementsBrandingOpinion of Probable CostRoute Feasibility Landowner Follow-upRE
SEAR
CH AND
PREL
IMINAR
Y AN
ALYS
IS
PUBL
IC ENG
AGEM
ENT &
LAND
OWNE
R OU
TREA
CH
DRAF
T PL
AN,
DESIGN
CON
CEPT
S, COS
TS
MAY-JULY 15FundingImplementation
FINA
L DR
AFT
DEVE
LOPM
ENT
PLAnninG ProcESS
BAC
KG
ROU
ND
THE
PLA
NN
ING
PRO
CES
S
CONSULTANT CONTACT:
Eric Woolridge, AICP Destination by Design
Email: [email protected] Phone: (828) 386-1866Web: www.DbDplanning.com
A trail master planning effort is underway to help create a section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVT) that would connect from Lenoir to Morganton to Lake James!
Thanks to grant support from the National Park Service, regional community organizations and local governments are working to establish a walking and leisure biking trail that connects the region and celebrates the trail walked by the Overmountain Men who won a major Revolutionary War battle at Kings Mountain in 1780.
The trail planning process requires an analysis of the Lower Creek corridor in Caldwell County and the Catawba River corridor in Burke County. The trail is best suited in floodplain areas where development generally cannot occur and where there are meaningful connections to existing parks, civic buildings, and neighborhoods.
After identifying feasible trail route options, there will be a major landowner outreach effort. Without the voluntary commitment from landowners, the trail will either be relocated or not constructed.
An educational video will be developed to help communicate the historical significance of the OVT, which will be made available online. www.OVTplan.com
Direction Setting and Project Launch | September 2014The consultant team will meet with local trail and government leaders to generally discuss environmental constraints and opportunities for trail connectivity.
Research | October January 2015 The consultant team will conduct a thorough environmental assessment of the study area and determine feasible trail route options. With the trail routes identified, a landowner contact list will be developed.
Landowner Outreach | February March 2015 Landowners with property along an identified feasible trail route will be invited to a special meeting to learn more about the trail project. After receiving comments from landowners, the preliminary trail routes will be updated.
Plan Development | March May 2015The consultant team will document the trail analysis and landowner comments. Recommendations will highlight alternative routes and the projects overall feasibility for completion. A draft plan will be made available for public comment.
Final Plan Preparation | May June 2015The consultant team will publish a final plan that incorporates all public comments.
1
2
3
4
5
FACT SHEET
project timeline
Direction Setting and Project Launch | September 2014
The consultant team met with local trail and government leaders to discuss general environmental constraints and opportunities for trail connectivity.
Research | October January 2015
The consultant team conducted a thorough site analysis of the study area and determined feasible trail route options. With the trail routes identified, a landowner contact list was developed.
Landowner Outreach | February March 2015
Landowners with property along an identified feasible trail route were invited to a special meeting to learn more about
the trail project. After receiving comments from landown-ers, the preliminary trail routes were revised accordingly.
Plan Development | March May 2015
The consultant team worked in tandem with local leaders to develop a preferred trail alignment. Renderings and sche-matics were provided to visually support the trail recom-mendations.
Final Plan Preparation | May July 2015
Publish the Final Plan for review by the public and elected officials.
A project fact sheet provided interested parties with background information and a project timeline.
FAct SHEEt
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
i n t r o d u c t i o n
5
KIRKSEY DR
LEN
OIR
RD
PIEDMONT RD
NC 18
-US
64
RIVER TR
L
LOST CORNER RD
VINE
ARD
EN R
D
BOST R
D
WATE
R FIL
TER
PLAN
T RD
VALLEY VIEW ST
SELMAN
AV NORTHRIDGE DR
SHADOWLINE DR
OLD
SCH
OO
L TR
L
HARR
ISON
LOOP
BIRCH
WOOD
DR
SHOR
E DR
CLU
B D
R
VIC
TORY
TR
L
RIDGESIDE TER
OAKR
IDGE
DR
INDEPENDENCE TRL
RIVE
RW
OO
DS
DR
C E
BE
RR
Y R
D
War
rior F
ork
Johns River
Wils
on C
reek
Warrior ForkJohns River
2000
0064
11
4000144311
2060
0064
11
4000142311
4000142111
4000
1419
11
NC OneMap, NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, NC 911 Board
John's River Gamelandsto Catawba River Greenway
0 0.30.15Miles
1 in = 0.2 miles
#
'
'
'
&
&
&
1
3
2
5
4
Field
FieldField
Trailhead
TrailheadAccess Point
Warrior Fork Bridge
Pedestrian Crossing
Catawba Bridge Crossing
Large Floodplain (Abutments/rise)
On-grade Hwy 64 Crossing Not Ideal
Greenway Easement Recorded On This Property
Narrow Bend One of the Better Crossing Spots (suspension?)
Sewer Easement Parallels Most of the Extent of the Catawba River to Hwy 64
Hwy 64 Corridor Widening Project May Benefit a Parallel Greenway Alignment
Narrow Crossing to Right of Way, Maintains Good Proximity to Corridor (Public Land)
War
rior F
ork
Johns River
Wils
on C
reek
Warrior ForkJohns River
2000
0064
11
4000144311
2060
0064
11
4000142311
4000142111
4000
1419
11
4000
1493
11
4000
1436
11
400014
2211
4000159311
NC OneMap, NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, NC 911 Board
John's River Gamelandsto Catawba River Greenway
0 0.30.15Miles
1 in = 0.2 miles
CITY OF MORGANTON JURISDICTION
OLD SCHOOL
VALLEY VIEW
SHADOWLINELENOIR
LOST CORNER
RIVERWOODS
SHORE
KIRKSEY
VICTO
RY
RIVER
TRAIL
VINEARDEN
NORTHRIDGE
HARRISON
CE BERRY
PIEDMONT
WATER F
ILTER PLANT
64
18
JOHNS RIVER
WARRIOR FO
RK
CATAWB
A RIVER
0 1/4 1/2 MI.
N
PROPOSED CATAWBA RIVER GREENW
AY EXTENSIO
N
EXISTING CATAWBA
RIVERGREENWAY & ROCKY FORD
ACCESS
46
47484950
51
52
53
54
JOHNSRIVER
GAME LANDS
WALTER JOHNSONMIDDLE
GRACE RIDGE
RETIREMENTCOMMUNITY
14
15
16
22
23
45
SECTION 9JOHNS RIVER GAME LANDS CATAWBA RIVER GREENWAY
PREFERRED TRAIL ROUTE
ALTERNATE TRAIL ROUTE
SPUR TRAIL
EXISTING LOCAL TRAIL
PROPOSED LOCAL TRAIL
TRAILHEAD
ROAD
MAJOR BRIDGE
MINOR BRIDGE/ CULVERT
YES
NO
POSITIVE
NO RESPONSE
CROSSINGS
TRAILS
TRAIL FEATURES
LANDOWNER SENTIMENT
##
#
LEGEND
PLAn orGAnizAtion
MorgantonDump
Water Plant
Burke County Landfill
JamesHouse
Walter JohnsonMiddle School
Charter School
Element Occurrence: Carolina Foothills Crayfish, Robust Redhorse
Cataw
ba Riv
er /
Lake R
hodiss
Cataw
ba Riv
er Warrior Fork
Cat
awba
Riv
er G
reen
way
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 4JOHNS RIVER GAME LAND
BellvueHouse
Element Occurrence: Notched Rainbow,
Seagreen Darter
Private- North American Ag.
Preserve
Hunting Creek
Johns River
Johns River
Morganton Skeet & Trap Range
Natural Heritage Area: Bristol Creek
Wetlands(Ranking High)
Lower Creek
Morganton
Johns RiverGame Lands
Johns RiverGame Lands
ChesterfieldSchool
Element Occurrence: Bog Turtle
18/64
18/64
1/2-
MIL
E ST
UDY
AR
EA
1/2-
MIL
E ST
UDY
AREA
ENDOF
STUDY AREA
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
41
42
4347
48
48
48
48
46
43
44 59
60
61
59
59
3839
40
45
37
MAP 4
END OF STUDY AREA
MAP 3
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGENDAlignment A Opportunities
Alignment B
Connectors
Constraints
50
38
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the opportunities and constraints found throughout the study area. The analysis begins with a brief description of the study area followed by a comprehensive discussion of the natural and built environments and their implications for trail suitability, trail design features, permitting, costs, etc. This chapter concludes with a map and photographic series that highlights a host of preliminary trail route alternatives.
This chapter is dedicated to visually defining the various trail types to be used throughout the corridor. Also, design concepts are provided for trail user orientation signage, mile markers, historic markers, and other trail support facilities. Social Media is explored as a mechanism for trail promotion and marketing.
Significant efforts were made to reach out to landowners where the preliminary analysis indicates that the trail is most suitable. This chapter describes the landowner outreach process and provides highlights from the landowner workshop meetings.
The final chapter is organized according to nine (9) planning sections. Each planning section description includes a map that identifies a preferred alignment. Each planning section further incorporates the analysis and design elements from the previous chapters along with a host of supporting renderings and design schematics.
Existing conditions, Analysis, and Preliminary Alignments
chapter i.
trail character and design Guidelines
chapter iii.
Landowner Engagement
chapter ii.
recommendations
chapter iv.
6i n t r o d u c t i o n
Chapter 1
E x i s t i n g C o n d i t i o n s , A n A l y s i s ,
A n d P r E l i m i n A r y A l i g n m E n t s
an overview and analysis of the opportunities and constraints found in the study area.
The analysis begins with a brief description of the
study area followed by a comprehensive discussion
of the natural and built environments and their
implications for trail suitability, trail design features,
permitting, costs, etc. This chapter concludes with a
map and photographic series that highlights a host of
preliminary trail route alternatives.
i n t h i s C h A P t E rA. Study Area Description
B. Natural Environment Analysis
C. Human/Built Environment Analysis
D. Map and Photo Series: Preliminary Trail Route Al-
ternatives
8c h a p t e r 1
the 20 MILe StUDY area begins on creekway drive in lenoir and ends at the rocky ford access in morganton.
gEnErAl study ArEA dEsCriPtion:
the lenoir to morganton oVnht study area is one-mile wide and extends approximately 20-miles long from the heart of Caldwell County to the northern reaches of Burke County. the northern terminus begins in the City of lenoir at the junction of Creekway drive and the abandoned rail corridor. Before reaching the edge of historic downtown lenoir, it travels along lower Creek. the study area extends south along lower Creek, highway 18, and through the town of gamewell. land uses south of gamewell are typified by low density residential, agricultural, forested/undeveloped, and limited light industrial along highway 18. upon entering Burke County, the study area incorporates the Johns river game lands (3,893 acres), which is managed by nC Wildlife resources. the southern terminus of the study area reaches the northern extent of the Catawba river greenway, which includes a 3.8 mile section of designated overmountain Victory national historic trail.
StUDY area
mAP 2
: gEn
ErAl
stud
y ArE
A
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
9
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
SITE ANALYSIS
E x i s t i n g C o n d i t i o n s , A n A l y s i s , A n d P r E l i m i n A r y A l i g n m E n t s
anaLYSIS workfLow
aLternate traIL
roUteS were
DeterMIneD
baSeD on an
anaLYSIS of the
natUraL anD bUILt
envIronMentS.
10
c h a p t e r 1
The opportunities and constraints found within the nat-ural environment are critical for identifying suitable trail locations and feasibility, quality user experiences, and determining construction costs and necessary permits.
This section explores the implications of the study areas natural environment for establishing the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail from Lenoir to Morganton and includes five (5) parts: 1) Floodplains; 2) Wetlands and Hydric Soils; 3) Streams, Lakes, and Ponds; 4) Steep Slopes; and 5) Rare Flora and Fauna.
the natUraL envIronMent
along Antioch road, Caldwell County
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
11
F l o o d P l A i n sFloodplain areas are often suitable for trail development. Since traditional development is often not conducive to floodplain areas, private landowners are often more willing to provide access for public trails within these corridors. Also, these scenic areas often attract wildlife, which creates an engaging trail experience. Within this study area, much of the floodplain areas along the Lower Creek corridor are ideal for greenway development.
Although development is regulated within the floodplain, greenways and trails are allowed and can be permitted. Sound trail engineering techniques are necessary to ensure trails can sustain flooding. To the extent possible, greenway alignments should be avoided within the floodway1.
1. Avoid disturbance in the floodway. Avoid placement of structures or disturbance within the floodway. Floodways are regulated locally and by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Fill, structures (walls, kiosks, etc), and impervious services are discouraged. Any structures located within the floodway require a no-impact/no-rise certification through FEMA. These studies can vary on cost but can range from $2,500-$15,000 depending on complexity.
W E t l A n d s A n d h y d r i C s o i l sThe study area includes several wetland areas as identified on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI). According to NWI, there are likely smaller wetland areas within the study area that are not indicated within their inventory which could impact final trail alignments. Wetland indicators include hydric soils in combination with wetland plant species and wetland hydrology that if impacted, could require costly permitting for these trail sections.
2. If wetlands are unavoidable, utilize elevated boardwalk systems. Boardwalks allow for travel over flat, poorly draining soils, standing water, and wetland features and have significantly less impact than other options. A section 404 (Clean Water Act) Permit may be required if the wetland is considered jurisdictional by the USACE. This means that the wetland is not isolated and part of a broader lake or water system. A small boardwalk for a non-isolated wetland with limited fill or dredging may qualify for a programmatic Nationwide Permit. Nationwide Permits are designed to streamline the permitting process for actions with limited disturbances. In addition to permitting, disturbances exceeding a tenth ( 0.1) of an acre would require mitigation which can increase project costs. Impacts under a tenth (0.1) of an acre do not trigger mitigation fees.
s t r E A m s , l A k E s , A n d P o n d sThe county, state, and federal government regulate the many waterbodies found throughout the study area. Lower Creek, Johns River, the Catawba River, and their tributaries include some of most important waterways found within the study area; there are permitting implications for crossing and bridging these water bodies.
3. Maintain a 50-foot buffer from all waterways, particularly those regulated under the Catawba River Buffer Rules. The state requires a 50-foot buffer along the shorelines of Catawba River and associated lakes. Streams within the study area are identified by the State of North Carolina as having poor water quality and maintaining or improving an adequate vegetated buffer is crucial to improving the quality. Zone 1 of this buffer includes an undisturbed 30-foot buffer from top of bank in which trails are discouraged. Zone 2 is an additional 20-foot buffer. This zone allows for managed vegetation and trails and greenways. While trails are an allowable use within Zone 2, the NC Division of Water Quality requires a permit (through DWQ or designated local government). The applicant must show that disturbance has been minimized and no other alternatives exist.
4. Plan for permits related to waterway Impacts. Federal 401/404 Certifications will likely be required in cases where any stream or waterway alterations occur. These alterations would be most likely in conjunction with bridge improvements or addition of structures near waterways. Triggers for the permit include disturbance to the stream bed, banks, damming of the waterway, or placement of material within the waterway (i.e. culverts/pipes).
MUCh of the fLooDpLaIn
areaS aLong the Lower
Creek CorrIDor are IDeaL
for greenwaY DeveLopMent.
12
c h a p t e r 1
s t E E P s l o P E sMuch of the study area includes gently rolling topography and thus avoids impact-ing steep slopes. The most challenging slopes are found within the Johns River Game Lands. The trail should be designed for grades under 5% slope if possible. Nat-ural surface trails can vary up to 10% slope. Alignments proposed in this study should be designed with these guidelines and may require a larger corridor to incorporate a more gradual trail grade.
r A r E F l o r A A n d F A u n AThe State Natural Heritage Program provides data identifying the states most sensitive environmental areas to be avoided; these areas are incorporated within the analysis map series at the end of this chapter. Also, rare flora and fauna species can also exist outside of these designated areas, which can alter final trail alignments prior to construction. Species identified by the State Natural Heritage Program within this study area as of January 2015 include:
A. Sticky Bog Ashpodel
(Lower Creek and tributaries)
B. Carolina Foothills Crayfish
(Celia Creek, Lower Creek
areas in Gamewell, and in the
Catawba River)
C. Bog Turtle (Bristol Creek and Johns
River Game Lands)
D. Notched Rainbow Seagreen
Darter (Warrior Creek)
Of special note is the Bristol Creek Wetlands Natural Heritage Area, which is located on both Johns River Game Lands and private land. This site is noted as having some of the most outstanding ecological resources in the state.
Coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) is an important aspect of the de-sign process. Involving USFWS early on in the process can help avoid obstacles related to federally protected species. Addition-ally, permits like Section 401 and 404 (see Wetlands and Hydric Soils section, page 5) will initiate the review of the State Natural Heritage Program database. If species are found within the project area, State or Fed-eral requirements may dictate avoidance or mitigation.
photo by others
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
13
t he Johns River Game Lands comprises 3,893 acres in north-ern Burke County and is man-aged by the North Carolina Wildlife Re-sources Commission. This public land, which includes the Bristol Creek Wet-lands Natural Heritage Area, is renowned for having some of the most outstanding ecological resources in the state.
Within this planning process, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission expressed a willingness to consider the creation of a sec-tion of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail through the Johns River Game Lands provided some general guidelines are met:
1. Avoid areas that are actively managed like
habitat improvement areas and open meadows
(indicated on maps and notes).
2. Avoid the primary and buffered Natural Heritage Dedica-
tion zones. The buffered areas are slightly less critical for
avoidance.
3. Paralleling roads like Highway 18/64 and Johns River Loop
is recommended.
4. Avoid areas listed in the State Natural Heritage Area pro-
gram.
johnS rIver gaMe LanDS
Exhib
it 1:
Johns
rive
r gam
eland
s
14
c h a p t e r 1
the bUILt envIronMent The opportunities and constraints found within the built and human environment are critical for determining suitable trail locations and feasibility, ideal user experi-ences, construction costs, and necessary permits.
This section highlights five (5) built environmental fea-tures and their implications for developing the Over-mountain Victory National Historic Trail from Lenoir to Morganton, including: 1) Land Use; 2) Existing Trails and Parks; 3) Utilities; 4) Transportation; and 5) Historic Resources.
photo by others
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
15
The Town of Gamewell
l And usE snAPshot
The City of Lenoir
Lower Creek
The study area begins in the City of Lenoir, a historic community located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that serves as the county seat. The City has made significant strides in the past 10 years to revitalize its historic downtown core. The Citys downtown is com-prised of a mix of land uses, including commercial, civic, and residential, and would be well-served by an accessi-ble public greenway trail.
The City is heavily influenced by a tradition of furniture manufacturing. The land uses immediately adjacent to downtown includes both antiquated and more modern warehouse facilities, many which connect to an aban-
doned rail line that is ideal for trail development. The rail line was abandoned in 2008 when Google constructed a data center located on Highway 18 and adjacent to the study area. Some of the more historic warehouses along the abandoned rail line are vacant and a public green-way could further assist with revitalization efforts.
Downtown Lenoir includes a variety of dense and histor-ic neighborhoods, some which serve low income popu-lations and would be particularly well-served by a gre-enway system connecting to other neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Gamewell is a rural community with an unconsolidated commercial corridor along Highway 18/64. There are multiple large tracks of land occupied by tree farms and wholesale nurseries along Lower Creek. Gamewells Town Hall and its new park are ideal for trail connectivity.
The southern portion of the study corridor from Gamewell to Morganton is the most rural and includes large tracts of private forested land, wetlands, and the Johns River Game Lands. Low-density rural develop-ment exists mostly along major roads, while extensive farming activities take place along Lower Creek.
the City of Lenoir has made significant strides in the past 10 years to revitalize its historic downtown core and would be well-served by an accessible public greenway trail."
historic downtown lenoirphoto by others
lower Creek near the town of gamewell
gamewell town hall
16
c h a p t e r 1
Caldwell County Government Center
Existing PArks And grEEnWAys
Lenoir Greenway
Town of Gamewell Park
The Lenoir Greenway extends more than a total of five miles. According to existing Lenoir greenway plans, the OVNHT trail will intersect with the Lenoir Greenway near the Google Data Center.
Caldwell County constructed a workplace wellness walk-ing loop at the government center along Highway 18. This walking loop is within the OVNHT study area and serves as a natural trail connectivity point.
The Town of Gamewell has created a major park facili-ty near their town hall along Highway 18. In addition to traditional recreation amenities, such a playground and basketball court, this park also includes a paved walking path along its perimeter. The Gamewell walking path is a natural connectivity point for the planned OVNHT.
Catawba River Greenway and Rocky Ford Access
The northern terminus of the Catawba River Green-way, which is certified as part of the OVNHT, is located at Rocky Ford Access. This pocket park serves as the southern terminus of the Lenoir to Morganton study area.
CaLDweLL CoUntY, LenoIr,
gaMeweLL, anD Morganton
have a CoLLeCtIon of parkS anD
greenwaYS that are IDeaL for
traIL ConneCtIonS.
photo: discoverburkecounty.comphoto: Caldwell County Pathways
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
17
util it iEs trAnsPortAtion
The study area has a complex matrix of utilities that include transmission lines, utility towers, water lines, and sewer infrastructure. Both sewer and water lines are indicated on the subsequent map series.
Locations where the potential trail alignment intersect with sewer or water lines have been indicated on the map and notes. Sewer lines are often compatible with trails since existing easements preclude development. However, these easements often need to be modified to allow for a public trail.
Lenoir has an extensive network of sewer and water lines extending into Gamewell. Sewer lines travel parallel with Lower Creek and could be an optimal trail location. Sewer lines terminate on the north side of Rocky Road. The study area analysis included an extensive review of
the existing transportation network including the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) right-of-way (ROW), NCDOT plans, existing bike and pedes-trian infrastructure (crosswalks, bike lanes, etc.), railways, and existing greenways.
NCDOTs right-of-way was analyzed for its ability to ac-commodate a separate side path or a widened shoulder. These opportunities are shown on the Site Analysis Maps with corresponding opportunities and constraints notes.
A 2.7 mile section of abandoned rail through the heart of Lenoir provides a significant opportunity for trail imple-mentation. The City of Lenoir and Caldwell County Path-ways are pursuing an official declaration of rail abandon-ment that will authorize the City to utilize this ROW for trail development. Additional segments of abandoned spur tracks, which once connected to active industrial operations, present unique opportunities for trail con-nectivity and are shown on the subsequent map series and associated notes.
highway 18/64 roW Abandoned rail in lenoir
sewer lines Along lower Creek
18
c h a p t e r 1
h istoriC rEsourCEs
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Route
The original Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT) route was identified by a National Parks Ser-vice research team. The team relied on the 1881 reenact-ment account of the march, which has been amended by local historians, descendants of battle participants, and other sources. As part of this congressionally designat-ed trail, any officially designated portion of the OVNHT must lie within a one-mile corridor (half-mile on either side) of the historic route.
Sensitive Cultural Resource Areas
Culturally sensitive resource areas have been mapped utilizing data from the NC State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The majority of these areas occur along the waterways of Lower Creek, Johns River, and Warrior Fork. These areas should be avoided to the extent pos-sible to ensure the preservation of historic resources.
Historic Sites and Landscape
SHPO oversees a large database of historic sites and resources. All resources, including those related to the OVNHT, are included within the subsequent analysis map series. These resources include information from SHPO surveys as well as a list of sites related to the National Register of Historic Places (which the National Park Ser-vice oversees but individual states manage). The most critical sites include those listed on the National Register (NR) or determined eligible (DOE) as they have further protection under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act . The National Park Service has empha-sized that to the extent possible, this plan should link, preserve, and interpret national and cultural resources.
the ovnht ShoULD
LInk, preServe, anD
Interpret hIStorIC
anD CULtUraL SIteS
aLong ItS roUte."
Fort Crider historic marker, City of lenoir
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
19
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 1LENOIR
Lower C
reek
Zacks Fork Creek
Zack
s For
k Cr
eek
Blair Fork
Blair Fo
rk
Lenoir
WEST A
VE
CR
EEKW
AY D
R
CREE
KWAY
DR
ABINGTON RD
VALWAY RD
HARP
ER AV
E
VIR
GIN
IA S
T
Lenoir Golf Course
JE BroyhillPark & BelleviewCemetery
Lenoir Mulberry Recreation
Center
Unity Park & Community
Gardens
Leno
ir Gree
nway
Leno
ir G
reen
way
T. Henry Wilson Park
Martin LutherKing Community
Center
LenoirRotary Soccer
Complex
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Williams LenoirMiddle School
ValmeadeSchool
Caldw
ell County R
R
Lenoir Downtown Historic District
Lenoir GrammarSchool
Lenoir High School/Fort Crider
Lenoir Mall
West LenoirElementary
DavenportElementary
Marys Grove
Brownfield(NACCOMaterials)
Brownfield(Bus Coating)
Southern RailwayFreight Station
Caldwell County Animal Shelter
GoogleData Center
Start of InactiveRail
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
TH Broyhill Walking Park
18/64
18/
START OF
STUDY AREA
Caldwell County Health Department
321
321
6
13
MAP 1
MAP 2
1
2 3
5
7
8
4
9
18
17
16
15
13
19
2021
2224
26
2327
11
10
6
2
1 4 3
25
14 13 127
910
25
811
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGEND
Alignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
Gamewell
Gamewell
Lenoir
West CaldwellHigh School
Army NationalGuard
GamewellMiddle School
GamewellElementary School
Town of Gamewell Park Trail
Lowe
r Cre
ek
Lowe
r Cree
k
Millers Creek
Abingdon Creek
Element Occurrence:Sticky Bog Asphodel
NC Ecosystem Enhancement
Easement
Alternative AHas Two Options
(Hwy 18/64 Vs.Lower Creek)
Caldwell County Animal Shelter
Furniture Factory
Caldwell County Health Department
LenoirWater Plant
18/64
18/64
MAP 1
MAP 2
MAP 3
GamewellTown Hall
32
33
13
14
16
17
18
22
19
15
12
28
29
30
3534
37
38
39
31
4041
20
21
23
23
25
42
43
24
32
36
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 2S. LENOIR/GAMEWELL
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGEND
Alignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
Gamewell
Sloan-Throneburg
Farm
ChesterfieldSchool
Element Occurrence: Carolina Foothills
Crayfish
Tuttle State Forest
Celia
Cre
ek
Lowe
r Cree
k
Lowe
r Cree
k
Lowe
r Cree
k
Bristol Creek
White Mill Creek
Natural Heritage Area: Bristol Creek
Wetlands(Ranking High)
HA
RTLA
ND
RD
GREEN HAVEN DR
ANTIOCH RD
PLAYMORE BEACH RD
SNIPES ST
ANTIO
CH RD
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 3BURKE/CALDWELL LINE
Foothills Regional Airport
Johns RiverGame Lands
Element Occurrence: Bog Turtle
29
26 27
BURKE COUNTY
BUR
KE C
OU
NTY
CALDWELL COUNTY
CA
LDW
ELL CO
UN
TY
18/64
18/64
18/64
MAP 2
MAP 3
44
45
45
46
48
49
47
3030
32
31
34 33
35
36
37
37
28
MAP 4
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGENDAlignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
MorgantonDump
Water Plant
Burke County Landfill
JamesHouse
Walter JohnsonMiddle School
Charter School
Element Occurrence: Carolina Foothills Crayfish, Robust Redhorse
Cataw
ba Riv
er /
Lake R
hodiss
Cataw
ba Riv
er Warrior Fork
Cat
awba
Riv
er G
reen
way
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 4JOHNS RIVER GAME LAND
BellvueHouse
Element Occurrence: Notched Rainbow,
Seagreen Darter
Private- North American Ag.
Preserve
Hunting Creek
Johns River
Johns River
Morganton Skeet & Trap Range
Natural Heritage Area: Bristol Creek
Wetlands(Ranking High)
Lower Creek
Morganton
Johns RiverGame Lands
Johns RiverGame Lands
ChesterfieldSchool
Element Occurrence: Bog Turtle
18/64
18/64
1/2-
MIL
E ST
UDY
AR
EA
1/2-
MIL
E ST
UDY
AREA
ENDOF
STUDY AREA
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
41
42
4347
48
48
48
48
46
43
44 59
60
61
59
59
3839
40
45
37
MAP 4
END OF STUDY AREA
MAP 3
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGENDAlignment A Opportunities
Alignment B
Connectors
Constraints
50
38
s t u d y a r e a 1s t u d y a r e a 2
s t u d y a r e a 2
s t u d y a r e a 3
s t u d y a r e a 3s t u d y a r e a 4
s t u d y a r e a 2s t u d y a r e a 2
The map and photographic series, which spatially incor-
porates the natural and built environment analysis, high-
lights a host of preliminary trail route alternatives. These
routes were further refined by local leaders to identify
and engage landowners. This information will serve as
an ongoing reference guide as alternative routes may
need to be developed due to unforeseen barriers.
Map anD photo SerIeS: preLIMInarYtraIL roUte aLternatIveS
20
c h a p t e r 1
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 1LENOIR
Lower C
reek
Zacks Fork Creek
Zack
s For
k Cr
eek
Blair Fork
Blair Fo
rk
Lenoir
WEST A
VE
CR
EEKW
AY D
R
CREE
KWAY
DR
ABINGTON RD
VALWAY RD
HARP
ER AV
E
VIR
GIN
IA S
T
Lenoir Golf Course
JE BroyhillPark & BelleviewCemetery
Lenoir Mulberry Recreation
Center
Unity Park & Community
Gardens
Leno
ir Gree
nway
Leno
ir G
reen
way
T. Henry Wilson Park
Martin LutherKing Community
Center
LenoirRotary Soccer
Complex
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Williams LenoirMiddle School
ValmeadeSchool
Caldw
ell County R
R
Lenoir Downtown Historic District
Lenoir GrammarSchool
Lenoir High School/Fort Crider
Lenoir Mall
West LenoirElementary
DavenportElementary
Marys Grove
Brownfield(NACCOMaterials)
Brownfield(Bus Coating)
Southern RailwayFreight Station
Caldwell County Animal Shelter
GoogleData Center
Start of InactiveRail
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
TH Broyhill Walking Park
18/64
18/
START OF
STUDY AREA
Caldwell County Health Department
321
321
6
13
MAP 1
MAP 2
1
2 3
5
7
8
4
9
18
17
16
15
13
19
2021
2224
26
2327
11
10
6
2
1 4 3
25
14 13 127
910
25
811
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGEND
Alignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 1LENOIR
Lower C
reek
Zacks Fork Creek
Zack
s For
k Cr
eek
Blair Fork
Blair Fo
rk
Lenoir
WEST A
VE
CR
EEKW
AY D
R
CREE
KWAY
DR
ABINGTON RD
VALWAY RD
HARP
ER AV
E
VIR
GIN
IA S
T
Lenoir Golf Course
JE BroyhillPark & BelleviewCemetery
Lenoir Mulberry Recreation
Center
Unity Park & Community
Gardens
Leno
ir Gree
nway
Leno
ir G
reen
way
T. Henry Wilson Park
Martin LutherKing Community
Center
LenoirRotary Soccer
Complex
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Williams LenoirMiddle School
ValmeadeSchool
Caldw
ell County R
R
Lenoir Downtown Historic District
Lenoir GrammarSchool
Lenoir High School/Fort Crider
Lenoir Mall
West LenoirElementary
DavenportElementary
Marys Grove
Brownfield(NACCOMaterials)
Brownfield(Bus Coating)
Southern RailwayFreight Station
Caldwell County Animal Shelter
GoogleData Center
Start of InactiveRail
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
TH Broyhill Walking Park
18/64
18/
START OF
STUDY AREA
Caldwell County Health Department
321
321
6
13
MAP 1
MAP 2
1
2 3
5
7
8
4
9
18
17
16
15
13
19
2021
2224
26
2327
11
10
6
2
1 4 3
25
14 13 127
910
25
811
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGEND
Alignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
area 1SIteanaLYSISS
tU
DY s t u d y A r E A 1
s t u d y A r E A 2
mAP 3
: stu
dy Ar
EA 1 s
itE An
Alys
is
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
21
OPPORTUNITIES
Start of study area and potential trailhead Main street crossinghigh public visibility Potential to extend road pavement and
accommodate greenway on Valmead Street Connect to Valmead Schoolwhich may eventually
be converted to apartments Factory may be amenable to using back side of lot Utilize abandoned rail line starting near Advent Circle Apartment complex connection Connect into sidewalk Potential trailheadat crossroads (Vance and Willow
Streets) Utilize undeveloped drainages in cemetery Utilize JE Broyhill Park pathways Utilize existing sidewalk on Main Street for several
blocks to connect JE Broyhill Park Utilize existing sidewalk for connector Connect to Housing Authority Apartments (Vance
Street Apartments) Connect to Fort Crider (OVT historic site), the OVT
memorial plaque, and Old Lenoir High School/current day apartments
Conversion of use of vacant warehouse buildings surrounding greenway has great economic development potential
Southern Railway Freight Stationpotential to convert to a farmers market
Connect to existing loop path at Unity Park and Community Gardens
Discussions have occurred with NCDOT about placing a pedestrian refuge island at this intersection
Abandoned railroad bridge Utilize abandoned rail spur Utilize potential power line easement Bridge may have adequate shoulder to accommodate
a greenway Four-way traffic signal in place but no crosswalks Abandoned rail line which Lenoir hopes to
rehabilitate Connection to walking loop at Bernhardt Industries Opportunity to build trail into future development
CONSTRAINTS
Steep cross slope Main street crossing Hazel Lee Street appears to have little right-of-way,
making sidewalk or a trail more difficult Rail in this section cant be used Bridge crossing necessaryunstable creek Dump site/car cemetery No sidewalk for short section of connector Bridge has limited shoulder Brownfield may cause some issues if ground
disturbance occurs Ponded/wetland area Major road crossing of Hwy 18/64 and Southwest
Boulevard is currently very unsuitable for pedestrian crossing
Opportunities and Constraints: Lenoir (Map 1)
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3
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9
1
2
3
4
5
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8
9
10
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10
1 9
3
9
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17
View of vacant lotpotential trailhead
View of potential right-of-way use on Valmead Street
View of Belleview Cemetery where low points could be utilized for the greenway
View of Lenoir High School Apartments and the historic site of Fort Crider
Southern Railway Freight Stationa proposed location for a farmers market
View of potential for trailheadlooking south at crossroads of Vance and Willow Streets
View of potential for trailheadlooking north at crossroads of Vance and Willow Streets
Rail in this section can not be used as factory is currently operational
StUDY area 1 opportUnItIeS & ConStraIntS
22
c h a p t e r 1
Gamewell
Gamewell
Lenoir
West CaldwellHigh School
Army NationalGuard
GamewellMiddle School
GamewellElementary School
Town of Gamewell Park Trail
Lowe
r Cre
ek
Lowe
r Cree
k
Millers Creek
Abingdon Creek
Element Occurrence:Sticky Bog Asphodel
NC Ecosystem Enhancement
Easement
Alternative AHas Two Options
(Hwy 18/64 Vs.Lower Creek)
Caldwell County Animal Shelter
Furniture Factory
Caldwell County Health Department
LenoirWater Plant
18/64
18/64
MAP 1
MAP 2
MAP 3
GamewellTown Hall
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33
13
14
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17
18
22
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15
12
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30
3534
37
38
39
31
4041
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21
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25
42
43
24
32
36
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 2S. LENOIR/GAMEWELL
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGEND
Alignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 1LENOIR
Lower C
reek
Zacks Fork Creek
Zack
s For
k Cr
eek
Blair Fork
Blair Fo
rk
Lenoir
WEST A
VE
CR
EEKW
AY D
R
CREE
KWAY
DR
ABINGTON RD
VALWAY RD
HARP
ER AV
E
VIR
GIN
IA S
T
Lenoir Golf Course
JE BroyhillPark & BelleviewCemetery
Lenoir Mulberry Recreation
Center
Unity Park & Community
Gardens
Leno
ir Gree
nway
Leno
ir G
reen
way
T. Henry Wilson Park
Martin LutherKing Community
Center
LenoirRotary Soccer
Complex
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Williams LenoirMiddle School
ValmeadeSchool
Caldw
ell County R
R
Lenoir Downtown Historic District
Lenoir GrammarSchool
Lenoir High School/Fort Crider
Lenoir Mall
West LenoirElementary
DavenportElementary
Marys Grove
Brownfield(NACCOMaterials)
Brownfield(Bus Coating)
Southern RailwayFreight Station
Caldwell County Animal Shelter
GoogleData Center
Start of InactiveRail
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
TH Broyhill Walking Park
18/64
18/
START OF
STUDY AREA
Caldwell County Health Department
321
321
6
13
MAP 1
MAP 2
1
2 3
5
7
8
4
9
18
17
16
15
13
19
2021
2224
26
2327
11
10
6
2
1 4 3
25
14 13 127
910
25
811
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGEND
Alignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
area 2SIteanaLYSISS
tU
DY
s t u d y A r E A 2
s t u d y A r E A 3
s t u d y A r E A 1
mAP 4
: stu
dy Ar
EA 2
sitE A
nAly
sis
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
23
OPPORTUNITIES
Utilize existing path and power-lines Potential use of abandoned rail bridge Abandoned rail spur Connect to exist loop trail on Caldwell County
property Hwy 18/64 has significant right-of-way
approximately 150-feet total with a 42-foot wide shoulder
Potential amenable landowner Connect to existing loop trail around Gamewell Park Graded dirt path exists in this area Begin of overlapping alignment with sewer line/
easement Driving rangepotential partner End of sewer line/easement Signalized stop light with no crosswalks Connect to existing loop trail and schools Calico Road has a significant 80-foot right-of-way with
water and sewer easements Calico Road has wooded, undeveloped corridor in
this area with a 75-foot right-of-way Calico Road averages a 65-foot right-of-way and
would serve many surrounding houses which lack pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
CONSTRAINTS
Destabilized reach of stream Tributary crossing is likely required Significant creek crossing Right-of-way has steep conditions in some areas Tree farm Quarryconflicting land use Segment unlikely due to uninterested landowner Wetland/low lying area Alignment would leave OVT one-mile buffer here NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program Easement
prohibits use of the easement (shown in green) bordering Lower Creekverification needed to establish if easement has been finalized
Home very close to creekprohibiting greenway access on north side of creek
Tree farm on both sides of Lower Creek Potentially dangerous intersection unless redesigned Intersection is non-signalized and would not be an
appropriate crossing unless intersection is redesigned and signalized
Opportunities and Constraints: South Lenoir/Gamewell (Map 2)
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25
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17
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29
30
31
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33
34
35
37
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39
40
41
42
43
36
31
38
32
29 34
42 43
37 24
View of potential use of abandoned rail bridge with Lower Creek in the Background
View of Hwy 18/64 looking north
View of existing loop trail on Caldwell County property
View of Gamewell Park View from Rocky Road of ending of sewer line/easement
View from Hwy 18/64 of driving range View from Hwy 18/64 and Calico Road intersection
View of wooded area on Calico Road View of wooded area on Calico Road traveling south of Hwy 18/64
StUDY area 2 opportUnItIeS & ConStraIntS
24
c h a p t e r 1
Gamewell
Sloan-Throneburg
Farm
ChesterfieldSchool
Element Occurrence: Carolina Foothills
Crayfish
Tuttle State Forest
Celia
Cre
ek
Lowe
r Cree
k
Lowe
r Cree
k
Lowe
r Cree
k
Bristol Creek
White Mill Creek
Natural Heritage Area: Bristol Creek
Wetlands(Ranking High)
HA
RTLA
ND
RD
GREEN HAVEN DR
ANTIOCH RD
PLAYMORE BEACH RD
SNIPES ST
ANTIO
CH RD
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 3BURKE/CALDWELL LINE
Foothills Regional Airport
Johns RiverGame Lands
Element Occurrence: Bog Turtle
29
26 27
BURKE COUNTY
BUR
KE C
OU
NTY
CALDWELL COUNTY
CA
LDW
ELL CO
UN
TY
18/64
18/64
18/64
MAP 2
MAP 3
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45
45
46
48
49
47
3030
32
31
34 33
35
36
37
37
28
MAP 4
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGENDAlignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
Site AnalysisOvermountain Victory National Historic Trail
Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study
MAP 1LENOIR
Lower C
reek
Zacks Fork Creek
Zack
s For
k Cr
eek
Blair Fork
Blair Fo
rk
Lenoir
WEST A
VE
CR
EEKW
AY D
R
CREE
KWAY
DR
ABINGTON RD
VALWAY RD
HARP
ER AV
E
VIR
GIN
IA S
T
Lenoir Golf Course
JE BroyhillPark & BelleviewCemetery
Lenoir Mulberry Recreation
Center
Unity Park & Community
Gardens
Leno
ir Gree
nway
Leno
ir G
reen
way
T. Henry Wilson Park
Martin LutherKing Community
Center
LenoirRotary Soccer
Complex
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Williams LenoirMiddle School
ValmeadeSchool
Caldw
ell County R
R
Lenoir Downtown Historic District
Lenoir GrammarSchool
Lenoir High School/Fort Crider
Lenoir Mall
West LenoirElementary
DavenportElementary
Marys Grove
Brownfield(NACCOMaterials)
Brownfield(Bus Coating)
Southern RailwayFreight Station
Caldwell County Animal Shelter
GoogleData Center
Start of InactiveRail
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
1/2-MILE
ST
UD
Y A
RE
A
TH Broyhill Walking Park
18/64
18/
START OF
STUDY AREA
Caldwell County Health Department
321
321
6
13
MAP 1
MAP 2
1
2 3
5
7
8
4
9
18
17
16
15
13
19
2021
2224
26
2327
11
10
6
2
1 4 3
25
14 13 127
910
25
811
Overmountain Victory NH Trail
Municipal Boundaries
Duke & Crescent Properties
Municipal/County Owned Properties
County Boundary20-Foot Contours
Property Lines
OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer
Existing Trails
OVNHT & Other Recreation
Fishing AccessParksGolf Courses
Managed Lands
Federal & State Ownership
ivatPr e
BrownfieldsHazardous Sites
State Natural Heritage Data
Inactive Hazardous SitesActive & Inactive Landfills
Animal
Plant
Animal Assemblage
Natural Community
Element Occurances
Natural Heritage Areas
Primary Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
General
Unranked
Wetlands (NWI)
Hydric Soils
Waterbodies
Streams
FloodwayFlood Zones
100-Year Floodplain
500-Year Floodplain
Hydrology
Natural Heritage Dedication Zones(Johns River Game Lands)
Proposed Trails
Schools
Hospitals
blic HePu alth Departments
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Civic Landmarks
National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site
NR and Local LandmarkNational Register Historic District (NRHD)
Study List (SL)
SL and LandmarkSL and Determined Eligible (DOE)SL, DOE, and LandmarkDOE NRHDSurveyed Surveyed in NRHDSite GoneSensitive Cultural Resources
Local District Center Point
Historic Sites and Ditricts
NRHD Boundary
UtilitiesWaterlines
Sewer
Bike RouteTransportation
Rail Roads
Interstates
Local RoadsState and County Roads
NCDOT Bridge Locations
Roads/Interstates
Buffered Zone
Exceptional
State Roads
LEGEND
Alignment A Opportunities
Alignment B Constraints
50
38
Connectors
area 3SIteanaLYSISS
tU
DY
s t u d y A r E A 3
s t u d y A r E A 2
s t u d y A r E A 4
mAP 5
: stu
dy Ar
EA 3
sitE A
nAly
sis
E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S , A N A L Y S I S , A N D P R E L I M I N A R Y A L I G N M E N T S
25
OPPORTUNITIES
Potential amenable landownerDuke Energy property
Significant bridge span on Calico Road over Lower Creek may allow for a greenway underpass
Significant bridge span on Antioch Road over Lower Creek may allow for a greenway underpass
Excellent opportunities for habitat conservation if some portions of private lands were acquired fee simpleportions of these lands are likely undevelopable because of wetlands
Official access and parking for Game Lands located at end of Putnam Street
Alignment navigates drainages with less impact to sensitive natural resources
Official access and parking for Game Lands on a turnout off of Hwy 18/64
CONSTRAINTS
Greenway unlikely in this area due to very narrow private parcels and home sites close to the creek
Wetlands Sensitive cultural resource area Structures are located close to Lower Creek, making a
southern alignment less viable Beginning of significant wetland areas on both sides
of Lower Creek that continues through to Johns River Area of northwest side of Lower Creek is low lying and
has standing water as identified in the field and via aerial analysis
Area appears to be significantly disturbed based on aerial analysis
Bridge crossing (~80-foot span) would be required and possibly an associated boardwalk systemthe NC Wildlife Resource Commission has asked that the trail avoid their property in this area due to sensitive habitat and popularity with hunters
There is significant site disturbance on this property based on aerial analysis
This alignment would require a 1,600-foot section of on-road use along Lower Creek Avenue and Putnam Streetboth low-traffic neighborhood streets
Alignment travels through a Significant Natural Heritage, Bog Turtle habitat, and wetlands to avoid using the interior of Johns River Game Lands
Bridge or boardwalk likely required (Hwy 18/64 bridge crossing for Bristol Creek could only be used to cross if a bridge attachment was used)
Opportunities and Constraints: Burke/Caldwell County Line (Map 3)
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49
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31
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34
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36
37
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44
49
37
View of potential pedestrian underpass crossing at Calico Road
View of potential pedestrian underpass crossing at Antioch Road (looking east)
View of Putnam RoadView of bridge over Bristol Creek on Hwy 18/64
View of terminus of Putnam Street at official parking/access area for Johns River Game Lands
View of Bristol Creek Wetland Natural Heritage Arealooking from the bridge
Official access and parking for Game Lands on a turnout off of Hwy 18/64
18/64
46 Area south of Antioch Road has excellent conser